Month: November 2016

Wedding season is here with oodles of charm and Band, Baaja, Baarat in tow. When it comes to vivid and versatile royal weddings in India, apna Jaipur is nowhere behind with best wedding venues and upscale locations and Rajasthan’s royal touch 

The clear azure skies, fairy-tale palaces, temples and gardens, trimmed lanes strewn with stalls, and the glory of the Rajasthan state surrounded by lush hills of Aravalis- this clearly provides inspiration for a Royal Jaipur wedding! Moreover, Jaipur is a fascinating blend of sight, sound and experiences. There is so much to do in Jaipur, that you will have the advantage of keeping the guests busy with city tour throughout the day.

So, If you too have a great wedding budget and you fancy a royal destination wedding, then here we have a list of some far-fetched yet most extravagant and fascinating Wedding Destinations in Jaipur.

1. Raj Vilas Palace

Listed among the most “expensive wedding venues in Jaipur”, Raj Vilas is ranked among the top 5 resorts in Asia. It’s a five star heritage hotel designed on the theme of Rajwada fashion. The royal Indian fairy tale weddings are completed here when the Bride and Groom take vow in a 280 year old Shiva Temple right within its premises.

2. Entertainment Paradise

One of the most sought after modern wedding venues in Jaipur, EP is like a beautiful getaway from the humdrum of city. With its plush and grand gardens named “Mughal Garden” “Rose Garden” on respective themes, EP is one of the best places in Jaipur to get married at.

3. Shiv Vilas

Shiv Vilas is a destination where “happily ever after” begins in an opulent style. From the lush central ‘Charbagh’ and majestic artefacts in the gardens, you would have a wealth of imperial set ups for the special day.

4. Ram Bagh Palace

It is a majestic palace converted into a heritage hotel, this Taj Group property is elegant, vivid and perfect for a destination wedding. The lush palace is the quintessential royal wedding venue in Jaipur.

5. Samode Palace

Taking wedding vows in a 475 year old palace in itself is a great feeling! Situated in the midst of hills, Samode Palace is as exotic as it can get. With expansive gardens and royal suits, your first step into the palace makes you feel like a royal. Unarguably, this wedding venue in Jaipur is par excellence.

6. Narayan Niwas

Narayan Niwas is a conventional and great old wedding destination that saw many exuberant celebrations of the Richie riches of the country and abroad. The traditional Rajputana ambiance with modern facilities are so captivating that you couldn’t say no to this venue for your wedding.

7. Le Meridian

Dream wedding at Le Méridien is just the most magnificent start to a posh marriage. An elegant, upscale and exotic resort, situated on a marvelous stretch of lush gardens, breathtaking views, offers the ideal setting for your ceremonies.

8. City Palace

Wedding at City Palace is the fantasy of every couple who wishes to get married soon. The City Palace stands as a symbol of the royal elegance and courtly grandeur that is no longer visible. And this is the prominent reason that people love getting married in City Palace. The illustrious backdrop- dazzling gazebos, regal illuminated archways and grand painted halls, what more one would ask for after this all.

9. Chomu Palace

Amaze your wedding guests, as you step towards marital bliss in this magnificent Heritage wedding venue. It’s architecture has been influenced in many ways by the styles of the reigning royalty over 150 years that offers a rich blend of Rajput, Mughal & European aesthetics. From pre-wedding ceremonies to grand wedding receptions Chomu Palace is one of the most exotic wedding destinations in Jaipur.

10. Jaigarh Fort

Poised atop the Cheel ka Teela in the Aravalis, is this magnanimous palace that was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It offers a panoramic view of the Pink City that also offers a unique memory of your wedding to the guests. To add to the magnificence, the massive courtyards of this ancient structure make up for a perfect wedding venue in Jaipur.

11. Hotel Jai Mahal Palace

Set in mature gardens, this stately hotel is an 18th centure palace in Jaipur which is also a reason why it has been used as a shooting location in a lot of Hindi movies. With Rajasthani decor and elegance carved in each stone of it, Jai Mahal palace is one of the most famous destinations in Jaipur for grand weddings.

Marriage is an occasion of lifetime so it should be planned to perfection and celebrated to the hilt. As a perfect event goes hand in hand with a perfect venue so importance of a venue can’t be overruled. Right from the fun filled Mehendi afternoon with safas and aviators in tow to the colorful and illuminated night with the most exquisite attires and jewellery you’ll get to see it all at the regal wedding in Jaipur, but the major talk of the town would be your wedding So, if you are thinking of a lavish event in the city of Jaipur, think of a dream ceremony at these Richie rich venues 🙂

Jaipur Art Summit is not just back but back with a bang. We are soon to witness more than 500 artists from 25 countries, coming from different backgrounds in the field of art for the 4th edition of the summit. The theme of the art summit, this year around is all set to inspire the new generation of international artists along with focus on amalgamation of Indian and World art. The event hopes to create a forum, which provides an immersive experience where people are able to have direct exposure to the depth and range of art forms.

Jaipur Art Summit is a not-for-profit foundation that endeavors to bring together artists working in different mediums and genres, cultural art players, art historians, critics, institutions and galleries from all over the country and abroad, with a view to promote art and build a conducive environment of the contemporary art among the fraternity and public at large.

Jaipur has always been famous for its art and crafts and very soon artists from China, Algeria, Bangladesh and many other countries will be seen here promoting their art and crafts too. Needless to say this is an event we will not want to a give a miss to.

The event is going to be a 5 day affair that will start from 7th December at Ravindra Manch. Things one should be looking out for at this event should be International art exhibitions, artist interactive sessions, and street arts, workshops on various art forms, traditional art forms and video art screenings.

Pushkar Fair, though every year offers something new to perceive and remember, there are some things that you will find every single time you experience this heaven on earth 🙂

1. Sunrise

When the dust mixes with golden light falling from sun, the ship of desert shines beautifully exuding absolute delight !

2. Ghats

If you really want to see and know how ‘ghat ghat ka pani’ tastes and looks, there is no better place than Pushkar.

3. Bazaars

From jutis to Ray Ban, bangles to clothes, the streets of Pushkar offer everything you name and everything you can’t !

4. Food

It’s Rajasthan, so there is no way you can escape the thought of delicious food anywhere and everywhere, but here, as you walk down the streets, you find the baatis being freshly made, kachoris being fried and malpue exuding utter bliss !

5. Pushkar Lake

After a noisy day, when you look for a place to sit by and feel the serenity of Pushkar, Pushkar lake is your haven.

6. Camels

With varied expressions, different moods, beautifully decked up and lost in their ownselves, camels are the ones who attract people from all over the world to come and visit this fair !

7. Turbans

Red, green, pink, yellow, orange, or all in one, the Rajasthani men never shy away from flaunting their fashion mantra i.e. the colorful gorgeous turbans😉

Last but not the least, that time of the day when the camel needs respite, the chill in the air is felt by all, the men and women start to prepare for their meals on chulahs, the sun is seen setting in spreading the scintillating palette of colors on the sky which is an absolute treat to watch and to just sink in🙂

Dance is a form of celebration and the folk dances that are deeply rooted in our tradition always make celebrations lively and colorful. Probably this was exactly what was on the mind of organizers of #Spread The light event that took place at Delhi Airport. Let us give you a view of how our folk dances enhanced this event 🙂

Ghoomar – One of the most well known folk dances of our state, Ghoomar is a dance performed by women through various hand movements, while forming circles. Ghoomar is a dance of celebration done mostly on festive occasions.

2. Bhavai – A folk dance that is performed by men and women, balancing a number of brass pitchers or earthen pots on their heads while they balance themselves on a brass plate.

3. Tera Tali – Tera Tali is another famous folk dance which women perform wearing a lot of cymbals in different parts of their body.

4. Kalbeliya – While all other folk dances of the state are performed wearing colorful and beautiful skirts and blouses, women performing Kalbeliya wear black Skirts and blouses. This dance is mostly performed by tribe of the same name, Kalbeliya.

5. Chari – Chari, another dance performed by women in groups, is called so because of the women dancers carrying a chari (pots) on their head while performing this dance form.

Today isabig day for Jaipur as it’s the birth anniversary of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the man who is behind the construction of Jaipur city. On this auspicious day, let us surprise you with some interesting facts about the man who we owe our existence to 🙂

Founder of Jaipur
Founded on 18 November 1726 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, the city of Jaipur has been named after him. Jaipur, known originally as Jainagara (in Sanskrit, as the ‘city of victory’ and later as the ‘pink city’ by the British by the early 20th century), the planned city, later became the capital as the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Shifting capital from Amer
After having ruled Amer for 70 years (1688-1758), Maharaja Jai Singh II planned to shift his capital 11 km away to Jaipur to accommodate the growing population.

Title of ‘Sawai’He became ruler of Amber at the age of 11 after his father Maharaja Bishan Singh died on 31 December 1699. On 2 June 1723, the emperor further bestowed him the titles of Raj Rajeshvar, Shri Rajadhiraj and Maharaja Sawai.”Sawai” means one and a quarter times superior to his contemporaries, and this title was awarded to him due to his wits.

Jantar MantarIn 1719, he was witness to a noisy discussion in the court of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The heated debate regarded how to make astronomical calculations to determine an auspicious date when the emperor could start a journey. This discussion led Jai Singh to think that the nation needed to be educated on the subject of astronomy. Due to his profound interest in mathematics, architecture and astronomy, in the midst of local wars, foreign invasions, and consequent turmoil, Sawai Jai Singh found time and energy to build five astronomical observatories, out of which only the one in Jaipur is operational – our very own Jantar Mantar.

Statue CircleThe beautiful and historic landmark of Jaipur – Statue Circle is reminiscent of the rich history and architecture of Jaipur,and a tribute to the founder of Jaipur – Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

The Diwali season has ended but we still have so many reasons to celebrate. Apart from the wedding functions, that we are all set to end with the beginning of wedding season, we have some interesting events lined up in the city, which you can attend with friends and family and have some quality time to yourselves.

1.) Jaipur National Craft Fair (Saras 2016)

Jaipur can never run out of exhibitions. Jaipur Saras craft exhibition is not only a place where you can go a shop for huge variety of crafts but it is also a noble initiative in collaboration with Indian government, to uplift of village industries.

Date: 3rd -14th November

Venue: Amroodon ka Bagh

2.) Rajasthan Biker Marathon

Bikers of the city are in for a treat. In this one of a kind biker’s marathon, a large group of bikers will rally around the state covering all 33 districts. The marathon will support Blood Donation, Road Safety & prevent acid attacks. People can participate at different levels for 500/ 1000/ 2000/ 3000/ or Full 4000 km. So choose your level and get ready for one adventurous journey.

Date: 4th November

Venue: starting from Police Station, Transport Nagar

3.) Jaipur Poetry Slam

This one is for all the poetry lovers in the pink city. The second edition of Jaipur poetry slam will be conducted on 5th November at Home Café. So, pink city, gear up for a poetic event.

Date: 5th November

Venue: Home Café

4.) Musical Night with Ravindra Upadhyay

Ravindra Upadhyay, a name that needs no introduction, will be performing live in Pink City. The singer will perform for Jaipurites on 5th November at B.M. Birla Auditorium. For sure no one is going to miss this one.

Date: 5th November

Venue : Birla Auditorium

5.) Rajasthan startup Fest

This annual flagship event on startups will have mentors, investors, corporate and startups coming together for business transacts. Many angel investors and venture capitalists are set to be a part of this event, from across the country. All the budding entrepreneurs, who have been waiting for the right platform, here is your chance to get started.

Date: 5th – 6th November

Venue: Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre

6.) Spark

People with an entrepreneurial vision have too much to look forward to this November as ICCE presents Spark, a one day entrepreneurial event. Upcoming entrepreneurs will get a chance to learn from industry experts and foster spirit of entrepreneurship. To register log on to: http://www.intcce.org/spark/

Date: 12th November

Venue: Rukmani Birla School

7.) National Silk Expo

This month definitely has in store some event or the other for everyone. This one’s for the ladies in love with silks. The national silk expo will be held on 15 November at Birla Auditorium.

Date: 15th November

Venue: Birla Auditorium

8.) Dunes Music Festival

A never before open air festival in Rajasthan is all set to take place at Clarks Amer on 19th November. This event will definitely bring loads of fun with it, not to mention some amazing music.

Date: 19th November

Venue: Clarks Amer

Choose your calling and fix up a date with events that satiate your passion.

There is something called “specialist”, people who have made their mark in something they are really good at. Karan Johar to me was a specialist. All his movies were trendsetters and set benchmark in hindi film industry (barring Kabhi Alvida). People copied and continued copying his style of film making. Ae Dil to me was very promising when I watched the first teaser. The way Aish was made to look at, the way Fawad was introduced and the way chemistry of Ranbir and Anushka was shown. All thanks to Diwali I was quite late in watching this movie and by that time the news and reviews were out. But for old times sake I decided to watch the movie on big screen. The movie starts with Ranbir (Ayan) and Anushka (Alizeh) making out and one shot seriously reminding you totally of Jab we met (woh tumhari maa thi). Their relationship moves in fast forward and we realise that Ranbir is dating Lisa Hayden and Anushka is dating some doctor which has no relevance to the script.

Have you watched Rockstar, Yeh Jawaani hai Diwani and Tamasha ? If yes then the next 30-40 minutes of this movie will ensure that it’s just a recap of these films. This is sheer copy and paste although unfortunately Anushka is no Deepika but she is of course better than Nargis. This also is the turning point according to me for a Karan Johar movie. Why is he trying to be a Imtiaz Ali ? If Tamasha had Ranbir playing Dev Anand with Deepika as his muse, Ae Dil had him as a Rafi fan and Anushka dancing to the tune of Chandini during their Paris holiday. Remember that famous Samosa with chatni dialogue in Rockstar that talks about the pain and sadness in a singer’s voice. You have it word to word in this movie. Alright, so Anushka was basically in love with Fawad (Ali), fondly called DJ Ali, and was simply running away from him. And guess what? She comes across him in Paris. They talk and she tells Ranbir in a rather rigid manner “Ayan tum jao”. So a heart broken Ranbir, who loved Anushka, leaves for UK like a player declared out hit wicket in a cricket match.

Finally Anushka and Fawad get married in Lucknow. Ranbir joins as an extension to the scene of Yeh Jawaani, drinks like a fish that reminds you of Aditya Roy Kapoor from same movie, leaves in a rush that is similar to the song Kabira again from same movie and arrives at a Business lounge to depart.

Enters Aishwarya (Saba). Have you ever seen a singer continue to sing in between while talking to you ? Or a runner starting to run while talking ? Or a batsman practicing his stance while having a communication with you ? But this Saba, who happens to be Shayara, ornates sher after sher while talking, all of those looked artificial and forced. Anyways so after she almost offered herself to Ranbir with the “Agar alfaaz kaam na aaye to number istemaal kar lena.” through a note in her book, Ranbir drops in to Vienna for ‘Aap’ ko ‘tum’ banane aaya hoon and both had a torrid affair as Saba does not have “Mohabbat ki jagah” in her life.

Enters Anushka once again. All three meet (minus her husband Fawad) and there are intense emotional talks and Ranbir tries and plays a cool dude. But remember Aish is a Shayara and she also happens to be now falling for Ranbir. She throws him out of her life and house all at the same time.

Now Ranbir is without a girl. Hence there is bound to be “dard and sadness” in his voice and he en-cashes that by becoming a famous singer. Yes you guessed it right, just like Rockstar. He happens to meet Anushka again and what happens next I wouldn’t like to disclose. But you will be reminded of the character of Nargis Fakri from Rockstar for sure.

This movie is divided into two parts. First half is a copy and paste from previous hindi movies where Karan Johar copies Imtiaz Ali’s style of film making but is entertaining. It is the second half where he comes in his own. The intensity of relations depicted is very powerful. Whether its Ranbir with Aishwarya or its Ranbir with Anushka. In fact the character of Anushka grows leaps and bounds. The struggle she undergoes in the attempt to not lose her best friend, the dilemma she faces about her feelings for him and also the personal crisis her own life is going through. To me last 30-40 minutes, although a bit stretched, were the highlight of the movie. You knew the end but still you were curiously waiting to see how director will deliver it.

The songs are simply superb. You expect that in a Karan Johar movie. The locales are all exotic and lavish. In the acting department Aishwarya Bachchan in her “half opened cause of high on drugs” eyes looks sexy and bold. She justifies the casting totally. Ranbir is just like his earlier movies. You are reminded of his character from Rockstar, Tamasha and Yeh Jawaani. He needs to take a break from such roles now. Anushka looks good and acts very well in the intense scenes. But she fails to deliver too during some of these scenes. And Fawad Khan ? He comes for 2-3 times in the movie. Speaks twice or thrice. Looks a bit lost and frankly for his role Karan Johar could have casted any one, even Bobby Deol. By the way the best dialogue of the movie “ek tarfa pyaar” is not spoken by any of these four leading artists.

This movie is worth watching once and then watch it again when it’s shown on TV. I am quite sure it’ll grow on to us in the second viewing.